Microwave ablation versus laser ablation in occluding lateral veins in goats.

Increasing number of endovenous techniques are available for the treatment of saphenous vein reflux and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a frequently used method. A newly developed alternative, based on thermal therapy, is endovenous microwave ablation (EMA). This study evaluated the effect of the two procedures, in terms of coagulation and histological changes, in occluding lateral veins in goats. Twelve animals were randomized into two group, with 6 treated with EMA (EMA group), and the rest 6 with EVLA (EVLA group). Results of coagulation, including coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet activation, were assessed at three or four different time points: before, immediately after, 24 h (and 48 h) after ablation. The diameter change, a measure of efficacy, was ultrasonographically measured before and 1 month after the ablation. Histological changes were grossly and microscopically evaluated immediately, 1 and 3 month(s) after the ablation. The length of the ablated vein and preoperative average diameter were comparable between the two groups. In both EMA and EVLA groups, several coagulation parameters, fibrinolysis and platelet activation parameters only underwent slight changes. Ultrasound imaging displayed that the diameter reduction of the veins treated by EMA was significantly larger than by EVLA, in consistent with the results of macroscopic examination. Microscopic examination revealed necrosis and thickening of the vein wall, and occlusion of the lumen within 3 months after ablation in both EMA and EVLA groups. It is concluded that EMA is a minimally invasive therapy, which appears to be safe and effective for treatment of lateral veins in goats.

Oral administration and external application of Chinese drugs combined with micro-invasive operation for the treatment of varicose ulcers in the lower extremities.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical therapeutic effects of oral administration and external application of Chinese drugs combined with micro-invasive surgery for the treatment of varicose ulcers in the lower extremities (ecthyma). METHODS: A total of 152 patients (163 limbs) suffering from varicose ulcers on the lower limbs were assigned to two groups according to the patients' willingness. The 102 cases (109 limbs) in the treatment group underwent the method of endovenous microwave closure of communicating veins combined with oral administration and external application of Chinese drugs before and after the operation. The 50 cases (54 limbs) in the control group, were treated with oral administration and external application of Chinese drugs only. Clinical manifestations, including the condition of ulcer healing, the improvement conditions of alogotrophy, edema and other symptoms, were observed before and after 3 months of treatment. The clinical healing rate, the ulcer healing time, and the ulcer recurrence rate, were compared between the two groups. All the patients were followed-up 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: The follow-up was carried out for 3 to 42 months (mean 30.5 months). In the treatment group, 99 patients (106 limbs) were clinically cured, and the clinical healing rate was 97.06%; the ulcer healing time was 9-101 days (average 31.25+/-8.28 days) and 3 cases (5 limbs) had recurrence; the ulcer recurrence rate was 5.81%. In the control group, 40 patients (43 limbs) were clinically cured, with a clinical healing rate of 80.00%; the ulcer healing time was 10-152 days (average 50.60+/-12.31 day) and 5 cases (7 limbs) recurred, with the ulcer recurrence rate being 20.59%. The effects in the treatment group were obviously better than those in the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The oral administration and external application of Chinese drugs combined with micro-invasive surgery for the treatment of varicose ulcers in the lower extremities has a significant curative effect, with a higher clinical healing rate, shorter ulcer healing time and lower ulcer recurrence rate than either treatment alone.

[Pharmacokinetics of honokiol in rat after oral administration of Cortex of Magnolia officinalis and its compound preparation Houpu Sanwu Decoction].

OBJECTIVE: To study pharmacokinetics of honokiol in Cortex of Magnolia officinalis and its compound prescription Houpu Sanwu Decoction (HPSWD) in rat, and discuss the change on pharmacokinetic process affected by other components. METHODS: The rats were divided into two groups, one was supplied with HPSWD and the other was administrated with Cortex of Magnolia officinalis. Concentrations of honokiol in rat plasma were then determined using HPLC method and main pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. RESULTS: The plasma concentrations of honokiol of both groups were conformed to the two-compartment model with first order absorption. There existed significant differences in AUC, C(max), T(max), CL/F among Cortex of Magnolia officinalis and HPSWD. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that Rhubarb and Immature Orange Fruit in HPSWD can influence the asorption, distribution and elimination of honokiol.

Reactivation of morphine conditioned place preference by drug priming: role of environmental cues and sensitization.

RATIONALE: Relapse is a major characteristic of drug addiction and remains the primary problem in treating drug abuse. Despite a great deal of research, the exact factors that determine renewed drug-seeking and persistent craving for them remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to evaluate the role of environmental cues and behavioral sensitization in reactivation of place preference following long-term extinction of morphine conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. METHODS: After being injected with morphine and saline alternately for 6 days to induce morphine CPP, the rats were subjected to extinction of conditioning for 21 days. The rats were then administered various doses of morphine, heroin, or cocaine and confined in the previous drug- or saline-paired compartment. CPP was determined. Some rats were treated with scopolamine or naloxone prior to administration of these three drugs. RESULTS: Morphine CPP disappeared following a 21-day extinction. A single injection of morphine, heroin, or cocaine evoked place preference for the previous drug-paired side. However, place preference for the previous vehicle-paired side was induced after the animals received a single injection of morphine, heroin or cocaine and confined to the previous vehicle-paired compartment. Administration of naloxone prior to drug treatment significantly attenuated the place preference induced by morphine or heroin, but had no significant effect on the place preference elicited by cocaine. Administration of the cholinergic antagonist scopolamine before morphine, heroin and cocaine inhibited the expression of place preference. CONCLUSIONS: Environment-related cues and behavioral sensitization play critical roles in the incentive motivation underlying drug-seeking behaviors.